Michael Sean Francisco: 2025 candidate for Round Lake Unit District 116 board

Bio

Office Sought: Round Lake Unit District 116 board (Vote for 3)

City: Round Lake

Age: 51

Occupation: Insurance professional

Previous offices held: Appointed RLAS Board of Education 2016, Elected 2017, 2021; Avon 38 Democratic Precinct Committeeperson

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running for reelection to continue the growth of the past 8-plus years in Round Lake, that has seen us build an athletic stadium and tennis facility (2019), HVAC air quality and lighting enhancements districtwide (2022), Beach Elementary classroom enhancements (2023), parking lot surface and flow enhancements (2023), Early Education Center expansion (2024) with no public request for referendum.

I am looking forward to the completion of ADA compliance in our schools this summer and a baseball and softball facility enhancement in addition to the growth of our students in college readiness and job readiness.

What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?

The school board has two jobs it is set forth to fulfill, hire and review the performance of the district superintendent, and to set forth the overarching direction of the district by empowering the superintendent to direct the district in that way. It is our responsibility to maintain these goals by vigilant review of data in financial and student outcome driven manners.

Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

All of our curriculum, as a unit district, must be interconnected from early education to elementary to secondary. We must strive to stay current and relevant and always look to improve where we can. We must always be attentive to the diverse needs of our community and help deliver the education needed in ways that can be used to nurture our students in their desire to grow and excel. We must find ways to make this resonate with our students in many different packages and deliveries!

How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

Our role as a public servant is to be open and attentive to the needs of all of our community and work to bring effective solutions for the community in a whole. We must not be afraid to confront what is challenging or controversial but must look to find solutions that work to better our community as a whole and being inclusive of all aspects of leadership.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.

As a board member, I am but one vote of seven but am a critical voice to bring to the conversation the needs of our community. I look to bring light to topics that are relevant and necessary and look to build consensus in decision making.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, of would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.

Our district embraces our diverse community and is always looking to continue to foster growth and expansion of these principals. This is a job that is never done and must continuously be adjusted, built upon, and strengthened.

As a highly diverse community, we must be a liaison between the community and district to make sure our children are able to thrive and exceed their expectations!

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Having had two children already graduate from the district and one still in high school, I look to be a voice for current parents and students as well as prior students and parents.

I have worked in the community with AYSO Soccer in Round Lake as a coach, referee, and regional commissioner and am constantly looking to include all voices and needs in the conversation.

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

When I joined the board I thought all meetings should be livestreamed and am proud to say my advocacy helped bring this to fruition beginning in April of 2021. I still believe we need to look at adjusting school hours to better serve both parents and children.